Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): cam shaft wear, briggs and stratton, cam shaft

Question
I own a craftsman 17.5hp lawn tractor with briggs and stratton engine. I recently had a power issue where the engine wouldn't take much strain without losing power. I had the engine checked out and found one of the cam shaft lobes worn down to almost flat. It was very expensive to fix. Any idea what would cause this so It won't happen again?

Answer
Hello Jim:

This is Rare, but it Does Happen. Anything from Grit in the Oil to Bad Metal (Defective) can be the Cause. If an Authorized Service Center is Performing the Repair, then I Suggest you Call and Get a Quote. If you are Going to Make the Repairs with my Assistance, then the Cost Should be a LOT Less than a Service Center Price. Send me the Model and Type or Spec Numbers Off the Engine, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. I can Locate the Parts and Price them for you. Just a Guess is Less than $100.00. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hi Jim:

I Just Read you Comments and Wanted to Say; WOW. That Much to Replace the Cam? Was Looking at the Pricing at the Shop and Im Thinking I May Need to Increase my Shop Rates. Any Thanks for the Update. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John